In 1889, at a memorial dedication at the Gettysburg battlefield, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain said:
“In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays.
Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to
consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and
women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know
not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were
suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field to
ponder and dream; And lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall
wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their
Souls.”
These are apt words coming from a man who transformed from a humble professor into one of the most revered fighting men of the American Civil War. Chamberlain’s journey from the quiet halls of academia to the tumultuous battlefields of Gettysburg is a testament to leadership and the long-lasting impact of courageous deeds.
Join us as we look at the life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. And if you are traveling in Virginia, please consider joining us for a Guided American Civil War Battlefield Tour.
Early Life and Academic Career
Born in Brewer, Maine, in 1828, Chamberlain was the eldest of five children. He pursued his education with fervor, attending Bowdoin College. His academic prowess led him to Bangor Theological Seminary and eventually back to Bowdoin as a professor of rhetoric and modern languages. Chamberlain’s love for teaching and his students was evident, but a greater calling was soon to beckon.
Entry into the Civil War
In 1862, driven by a profound sense of duty to the nation he loved, Chamberlain requested a leave of absence from Bowdoin to serve in the Union Army. Despite being offered a prestigious position at another institution, he felt compelled to defend the Union. He was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a decision that would guarantee his name a place in the pages of history.
Key Battles and Military Achievements
Chamberlain’s first significant battle was at Fredericksburg, where he faced the grim realities of war. However, it was at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 that he cemented his legacy. On July 2, his regiment was tasked with holding Little Round Top, a strategic position. Facing overwhelming Confederate forces, Chamberlain executed a daring bayonet charge that repelled the enemy and secured the flank. This act of bravery not only earned him the Medal of Honor but also turned the tide of the battle.
Chamberlain continued to distinguish himself in subsequent battles, including the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of Five Forks. His leadership and strategic acumen earned him several promotions, eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general.
Post-War Career and Contributions
After the war, Chamberlain returned to Maine as a hero. He served four terms as Governor of Maine, focusing on veterans’ issues and educational reforms. Later, he resumed his academic career as president of Bowdoin College, where he championed progressive education and curricular advancements.
Chamberlain’s contributions extended beyond his lifetime. His writings, including his memoir “The Passing of the Armies,” provide invaluable insights into the Civil War and its soldiers. His speeches and public service continued to inspire long after his death in 1914.
Personal Life and Character
At the center of Chamberlain’s personal life was his marriage to Frances Caroline Adams, with whom he had five children. Known for his humility and intellect, Chamberlain’s character seemed to possess the best traits of academic rigor and battlefield valor. He was a man who valued integrity and service, both in war and peace.
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s Legacy
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s legacy is preserved and celebrated through various means, reflecting his enduring impact on American history and culture. His former home, situated across Maine Street from the Bowdoin College campus, has been transformed into the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum. This museum, managed by the Pejepscot Historical Society, houses a rich collection of artifacts related to Chamberlain’s life and military career.
Visitors can view significant items such as the minié ball that nearly ended his life at the Battle of Petersburg, his original Medal of Honor, and Don Troiani’s painting depicting the dramatic charge at Little Round Top. From late May until mid-October, volunteer docents lead tours, providing insights into Chamberlain’s remarkable story.
Beyond the museum, Chamberlain’s legacy is also commemorated through infrastructure and place names. The Joshua Chamberlain Bridge, a two-lane steel plate girder bridge, carries US Route 1A across the Penobscot River between Bangor and Brewer, Maine.
Additionally, the village of Chamberlain in the town of Bristol, Maine, bears his name, ensuring that his legacy continues to be recognized within his home state. These commemorations, alongside his historical significance, serve as lasting reminders of Chamberlain’s bravery and the enduring inspiration the story of his life provides people. As visitors walk the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg and other battlefields, they can reflect on the profound impact of men like Chamberlain.
To explore the Civil War battlefields of Virginia, book your place on one of our Guided American Civil War Battlefield Tours.
